Moscow Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Moscow Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Moscow Water Dog has almost same litter size. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low Maintenance. But Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Belgium
Russia
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
5 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
dark brown to black, black
Coat:
Rough, medium length
double coat
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

belgian shepherd dog laekenoisThe Laekenois, from a variety of 4 Belgian Shepherds, and one of the rarest, is a working- or herding breed of dog which originated in Belgium. It is believed to have been around since the Middle Ages. The intelligent dog was also used for sending messages during the 1st World War. In most countries, all 4 of the dogs are considered the same breed with different varieties in coat types, but there are some instances where they are recognized as separate breeds.

An interesting aspect of these dogs is that until the advent of dog shows in the 1900s, the 4 varieties were intermixed, and today purebred Laekenois can sometimes give birth to smooth-coated puppies which can be registered as Malinois.

The Moscow Water Dog was developed in the Soviet Union around the same time as other classic Soviet dogs. The Moscow Watchdog and the Black Russian Terrier are a couple of these other dogs. The Water Dog came from crossing the Caucasian Oytcharka with the Newfoundland. The breed is known by many names including the Vodolaz which means “diver of deep Water”. The Moscow Water Dog was only bred in the Russian state’s Red Star Kennels as working dogs for the military.

Following the second World War, most of the working dogs had been destroyed during the war. Not enough dogs could be imported to begin a breeding program for any working breed. So, the Soviet Red Star Kennels began to create several working breeds. Included in this group with the Moscow Water Dog, were the Moscow Newfoundland, the Moscow Great Dane, the Black Russian Terrier, and the Brudasty Hound.

The only really successful breed coming from this program is the Russian Black Terrier. All the rest are either extinct or found only in Russia today. The Moscow Water Dog was supposed to be a life saver/water rescue dog, but the dogs they developed were too aggressive, and the program was scrapped. It seemed that the cross had bred a dog that had too much of the working water dog traits and not enough of the rescue dog traits. The military breeders tried to pass the dogs off as a Russian Newfoundland and sell it to the non-military.

These non-military owners of the few “Russian Newfoundland”, did not try to change the dogs through breeding. Instead over time they bred the Russian Newfoundland with pure bred Newfoundlands almost eliminating the “Russian” portion of the breed. By the early 1980’s the stock had been so diluted with the pure Newfoundland that the Russian Newfoundland was basically extinct.

The Red Army kennel had other breeds with some of the genes of this breed in their lines. This included the Brudasty Hound, the Moscow Great Dane, the Caucasian Oycharka, the Moscow Watchdog and the Russian Black Terrier. The Russian Navy was unhappy with the situation and never again let the army developed the Navy’s waterdog.

Description

Temperament

belgian shepherd dog laekenois puppy - descriptionThe Laekenois is a highly talented dog, highly energetic and extremely intelligent. He will make a superb family pet with owners who are firm and fair with him. The dog is bright, obedient, protective and somewhat territorial. He’ll guard what he believes is his as he is instinctively protective.

He will get on well with children in the home, and he can also be socialized to get on well with other pets in the home. Of course, the way an owner treats the dog, and any other dog for that matter, brings out different temperaments in a dog. To get the best from him he should be trained and socialized from an early age. He will need plenty of exercise if you don’t want him becoming destructive from sheer boredom.

Looks

The body is well proportioned, muscular and sturdy. He has an alert, intelligent face with erect ears, bright brown eyes and the nose black. The hair is dense on the long tail, but with no feathering like with the other breeds. The most common color is fawn with a reddish undertone. The chest is deep and the legs strong and straight. The Laekenois's medium length rough, wire coat can include colors from fawn to brownish and black in between.

The Moscow Water Dog was intelligent, vigilant, an excellent swimmer, and great in artic waters. However, he was too aggressive and instead of saving the swimmer, they would attack them. The Moscow Water Dog is a tall, balanced and powerful dog. They have a wide muzzle and a square head like the Newfoundland. Their eyes are dark and small while the ears are triangular. The nose and lips are black. He has webbed feet of course and a hanging tail.

The coat on the Moscow Water Dog was of course waterproof and double. The top coat is very dense, straight and soft. It is usually a dark brown with some black and white.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog laekenois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Laekenois is an energetic herding breed dog, and even though he will do well in an apartment if he is sufficiently exercised, big gardens and farms would be first choice for him. Wherever you offer him a home, make sure to exercise him regularly and give him plenty of attention, as he loves his human family.

He’ll make an exceptional watchdog and because he is so intelligent, he learns easily, responding readily to his owner’s instruction. He’ll protect his human family with his life. Social, lively, attractive and bright, anybody who has owned a Laekenois will vouch for his loyalty and devotion, making him a splendid pet.

Children friendliness

yes

Special talents

Swimming and stamina

Adaptability

Yes but needed some land. Better in countryside.

Learning ability

This is an intelligent dog, but he could not be trained out of his aggressiveness.

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog laekenois puppies - health problemsThe lifespan of the Belgian Laekenois is between 10 and 14 years of age, and he is a pretty robust breed, not prone to getting sick easily. However, as with most other dog breeds, he is predisposed to some concerning health conditions.

Epilepsy

A frightening health issue in Belgian Shepherds is inherited epilepsy. It occurs in all four varieties. Your dog will have uncontrollable shaking that can last a few minutes. There are many causes of seizures but it is mostly an inherited disorder.

Eye disorders

The most common eye disease is cataracts.

Hip Dysplasia

This is an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly. He may even have difficulty getting up from lying down.

Because the breed was around for such a short period there is not a lot of documentation or information regarding genetic or propensity health issues. There are however a few issues that just his heritage and Newfoundland blood would lend itself to.

  • Tendency toward obesity. Do not free feed.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – could lead to arthritis.
  • Bloat or gastric torsion – could be fatal.
  • Cardiovascular issues.
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Hypothyroidism

Caring The Pet

Grooming

belgian shepherd dog laekenois dogs - caringThe long, double coat of your Laekenois will need to be trimmed about twice a year otherwise he could look dirty and unkempt. Certainly with the coat he has, you will need to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Feeding

He is a well muscled, athletic, energetic dog and his food, whether home-made or commercially manufactured, needs to be a high-quality food high in protein and packed full of minerals and vitamins. If you’re not sure about food type, speak to your vet, because as a dog expert, they will advise you on food appropriate to this dog breed and his energy needs. Whether you own a male or female Laekenois, feeding should be such that weight for an adult is maintained around 25–30kg.

Feeding the puppy

Required high quality food made specifically for large or giant puppies. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 21/2 -3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Required high quality food made for large or giant dog breeds. Feed twice a day a total of 2 cups.

Games and Exercises

The Moscow Water Dog did not need a high level of exercise, but they did have a lot of stamina. They loved to swim. Not overly active – more of a couch potato.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  32. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison